Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan this week announced cabinet vacancies and reappointments for their second term. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor thanked the entire Walz-Flanagan cabinet for their dedication and contribution to the lives of Minnesotans over the past four years.

Larry Herke has been reappointed as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).

“I am so proud of all we have accomplished in the last four years to serve Minnesota’s 300,000 Veterans and their families,” Commissioner Herke said. “From expanding the State Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries to decreasing Veteran homelessness and striving to prevent Veteran suicide, we have made a difference in the lives of those who have served.”

Herke was first appointed as the 18th Commissioner of MDVA in January 2019. As Commissioner, Herke is charged with assisting the state's 304,000 Veterans and their families. He also represents the Department at hearings before the Minnesota Legislature and United States Congress and maintains close working relationships with the Veterans' Service Organizations of Minnesota.

Commissioner Herke grew up in Mankato, attending Mankato East High School and Minnesota State at Mankato. After serving four years on active duty with his wife Debbie, also a Veteran, they returned to Minnesota.

For over 30 years, Commissioner Herke had the opportunity to serve the nation and state as a member of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard. During his military career, he has met thousands of diverse and talented Service Members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard and was constantly humbled by their selfless service and dedication to duty. After retiring from the National Guard in 2016, Herke served as the State of Minnesota Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability, assisting all 24 Cabinet Level agencies to develop sustainability plans to save money while reducing the impact of their operations on the environment and society.

The Governor’s Office distributed a press release on November 16 to announce all his Cabinet appointments for his second term. The press release is available on the Governor’s website.